Addictive
compulsive behaviors are considered
a family disease. Addictive
compulsive behaviors affect the
entire family and the way it
functions. Roles by each family
member are formed, and often
assumed, in an attempt to compensate
or divert dysfunctional behaviors of
the addict or alcoholic family
members. Family roles are formed in
an attempt to help bring families
into balance.

Entire
families, spouses, significant
others, siblings, friends, and
co-workers often are at the
receiving end of the addict or
alcoholics abusive, destructive and
dysfunctional behaviors. Often the
addict or alcoholic is unaware of
the severity of their impact on
others.

Family counseling
provides family members with the
support and tools necessary to
detach in a healthy way from the
addict’s or alcoholics abusive and
dysfunctional behaviors. Family
members learn how to help the addict
or alcoholic in a way that will
help, and not enable the addict or
alcoholic in a safe and loving way.

Additionally, in family
counseling, core dysfunctional
behaviors and roles are identified
and families are taught healthy
family behaviors and roles.
Addressing these issues often causes
the addict or alcoholic to seek help
sooner and affords the addict or
alcoholic a better chance of
recovery when the addict or
alcoholic rejoins their family.

Family counseling can take place
with or without the addict or
alcoholic. Typically, family
counseling starts without the addict
or alcoholic before or while the
addict or alcoholic is working on
their recovery. Once the recovering
addict or alcoholic family member
becomes stabilized and committed to
their recovery effort it is very
healing for the family and the
addict or alcoholic in recovery to
participate in family counseling.

Family counseling will plant
the seeds of a process that will
continue to grow in the years ahead
and will be the start of a new
journey for you and your loved ones.

If you are ready and want to
begin the healing process of
recovery for yourself or your
family, let me help you put the
pieces back together. I am a
uniquely qualified, special kind of
therapist that understands how to
sort out the many interwoven issues
involved. Call me today at (408)
491-9991 schedule an appointment.